asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state what are the prospects of a general supply of nitrogenous fertilisers for crops other than sugar beet; and if he is satisfied that, in view of their encouraging effect on plant growth in a late season, everything possible has been done to get increased supplies.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Nitrogenous Fertilisers.
I regret to say that there is no prospect of an adequate supply of nitrogenous fertilisers for general farm use this year. I am satisfied that everything has been done to obtain additional supplies of nitrogen this season.
Have all the nitrogenous fertilisers been reserved for the beet crop?
No. There is a certain quantity of nitrate of ammonia, but there is some difficulty in relation to its manufacture and distribution.
Is the quantity of nitrate of ammonia equal to the amount available last year?
I am not aware of what was available last year, but I know what we have this year.
How much?
We have distributed about 2,000 tons, and there is a possibility of another 2,000 tons.